About Us
Mission & Vision
Guided by faith, driven by excellence, committed to transforming lives and communities.
Our Mission
Truth and Light
Arkansas Baptist College prepares students for a life of service grounded in academic scholarship, the liberal arts tradition, social responsibility, Christian Development and preparation for employment in a global community.
Founded in 1884 as the Minister's Institute, our primary objective was to raise the educational level of the African American ministry while valuing the teaching principles of Jesus Christ. Today, our mission extends to serve as a comprehensive liberal arts institution preparing students from all backgrounds for success.
“Our programs combine rigorous academics with spiritual development, preparing students for success in their careers and personal lives.”
Our Vision
Positively Influencing Our Community, State, and Nation
Arkansas Baptist College seeks to become a leader in Christian based higher education where students are lifelong learners, seeking and building the Kingdom of God, engaged within their communities, and gain employment in industries that are changing the world.
Community
Serving the Little Rock community and beyond through education and outreach
Scholarship
Pursuing academic excellence rooted in Christian principles
Transformation
Addressing societal issues and creating positive change
Our Values
Core Values That Guide Us
These principles form the foundation of everything we do at Arkansas Baptist College.
Mission Driven
Everything we do is guided by our founding mission of Truth and Light, preparing students for a life of service.
Historically Grounded
We honor our heritage as the only Baptist HBCU west of the Mississippi, drawing strength from over 140 years of history.
Service Motivated
We encourage students to give back to their communities and become agents of positive change in society.
Community Empowered
We partner with the Little Rock community and beyond to create opportunities and address societal challenges.
Academically & Professionally Integrated
Our programs combine rigorous academics with professional preparation for employment in a global community.
Entrepreneurially Minded
We cultivate innovation and entrepreneurial thinking to prepare students for leadership in a changing economy.
Faith and Education, United
At Arkansas Baptist College, we believe that faith and education are not separate pursuits but complementary paths to personal growth and societal contribution.
As the only Baptist HBCU west of the Mississippi River, we hold a unique position in American higher education. Our heritage as an institution founded to educate African American ministers has evolved into a comprehensive mission that serves students from all backgrounds.
Through programs like the African American Leadership Institute, we provide students opportunities to develop leadership skills and practice these skills within the urban Little Rock community.
1884
Year Founded
Only
Baptist HBCU West of the Mississippi
5
Bachelor's Degree Programs
3
Associate's Degree Programs
A Voice for the Underrepresented
In its quest to be a voice for the underrepresented student, Arkansas Baptist College provides a quality education without charging out-of-state tuition fees. We believe that access to higher education should not be limited by geography or financial circumstances.
Our academic programs are designed to meet the needs of the Little Rock community we serve, while preparing students to make an impact wherever their journey takes them.
Join Our Mission
Become part of a community dedicated to Truth and Light.